A waiter had suddenly appeared as though by magic, and of the fourth place at table there seemed to be left no visible signs.

All the time, Sabatini, unmoved, continued to roll his cigarette.

Then there came a tapping at the door.
[Illustration: The eyes of every one were turned toward the wall.
_Page 97_.] "See who is there," Sabatini instructed the waiter.
Gustave, his napkin in his hand, threw open the door.

A young man presented himself--a person of ordinary appearance, with a notebook sticking out of his pocket.

His eyes seemed to take in at once the little party.